Before your thesis defense:

Work with your committee to schedule your defense date. Inform the GCB coordinator of the date and time, so she can help you reserve a room.

Submit your title and abstract to the GCB coordinatorat least one month before the defense date, so that the talk can be announced.

When the dissertation has been written, distribute a penultimate draft to your Thesis Committee, at least two weeks before the scheduled defense.Thus, before the final draft is submitted, each committee member can identify necessary revisions and suggest improvements.

After your thesis is approved by your commmitee, make an appointment to deposit your dissertation with the Graduate Division office (215-898-7444, gas-degree@sas.upenn.edu). Do not wait to make an appointment, as they fill up fast.

Email Anne-Cara in BGS your title page a day or so before you defend. She'll check to make sure it's formatted correctly before your get it signed. For more information on formatting your title page and dissertation, visit this page.

After your defense:

Have your advisor sign three copies of your title page. Bring these copies to the GCB coordinator and she will get the Chair's signature. She will also have him sign form 153.

Pick up your signed title pages and form 153 from the GCB coordinator and take them to your deposit appointment.